Planning guidance has stipulated that CCGs have to commission at least an extra hour and a half of evening appointments, while Saturday and Sunday opening requirements are flexible depending on local demand.

Under the Extended Hours DES directions, GP practices are paid to 'offer patient consultations face to face, by telephone or by other means at times other than during the core hours' as stated in their contract.

The BMA clarified that this would 'not impact those practices that close in order for their staff to take part in monthly training activities, or those that make minor locally agreed adjustments to their opening hours at the beginning or the end of the day'.